Halophytic, succulent, much branched shrubs with jointed leafless stems, sometimes rooting at nodes; internodal segments usually club-shaped, each with a pair of opposite, terminal cups embracing the base of the next segment, and subtending a group of 3 flowers (hermaphrodite or unisexual) ± immersed in the cup. Perianth 3-4-fid, becoming somewhat swollen and spongy in fruit. Stamens 1 (-2). Style rather long with 2 (-3) stigmas. Fruit a utricle with membranous or indurated pericarp. Seed vertical usually endospermous with arcuate embryo.

About 5 species, chiefly of saline marshy places and sea coasts of the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions; 2 species occur in Pakistan.